By Elliot Stevenson
Clarence’s metal will be put to the test as finals hopefuls the Greater Northern Raiders travel south to Kangaroo Bay Oval for a ladder-shaping contest on Saturday.
The Roos currently sit four points ahead of second placed Lindisfarne, with a victory over the Raiders set to all but confirm a home final.
Coach Shane Holland is enthused by the prospect and is relishing to opportunity to play for keeps at the pointy end of the season.
“It's really exciting to play at this time of the year and still be in contention,” he said. “And we're hoping for another strong performance against a quality team in the Raiders.”
“We know they're going to give it their best because the ladder is so tight.
“Performances could dictate you finish on top of the ladder, or you could potentially fall out of finals contention.
“It’s great for everyone that it’s so hotly contested at the moment and a great test for our group to go up against the Raiders and then finish our season with Lindisfarne after that.
“Two teams that are in strong contention this season.”
The match comes after Clarence’s draw against New Town last weekend in which Mac Wright belted an unbeaten 208 off 246 balls.
The Hurricanes batsman hit 25 boundaries, including eight sixes in a trademark knock to power the Roos to 5-398.
“Mac's outstanding, particularly at club level,” Holland said. “But we know he's a proven performer at higher levels as well.”
“We've loved having Mac as part of our group.
“He's really brought into the club at all levels and most of all for our group, he just sets great examples with how hard he works.
“It was an outstanding reward for all the hard work that Mac puts in.”
It was another season best batting performance for former head coach Harry Allanby, the all-rounder hitting 85 not out off 110 balls in Clarence’s successful first innings.
Holland praised Allanby’s persistence and is hoping his form continues toward and into the upcoming finals series.
“It's fantastic for Harry to show some strong form,” he said.
“We know he's outstanding with all three skill sets, his batting, bowling and fielding.
“It's really good to see him in a little bit of form and hopefully he can continue his form as we get to the business end of the season.”
New Town put up a valiant response to the Roos mammoth score, falling 154 runs short but managing to avoid losing its last three wickets and therefore the match, securing a draw.
“I think we played some really good cricket against what we think is a really good team,” Holland said.
“Whilst disappointing not to be able to finish the job and get the points on the ladder, it was another strong performance.
“We're just trying to build those as we head into the finals.”
Kingborough is aiming to keep its finals hopes alive as it takes on South Hobart-Sandy Bay at Queenborough.
The Knights are seven points behind the Raiders, needing a victory to remain in touch with the finals heading into the final round.
Australian test opener Jake Weatherald will play for Kingborough in a major boost to its batting stocks, while the Sharks will have star all-rounder Will Prestwidge available.
It will be South Hobart-Sandy Bay’s final opportunity to win a red-ball game this season, with a bye scheduled for the final round.
Lindisfarne’s hopes for a home final face a major test with reigning premiers University heading across the Derwent River on Saturday.
Superstar batter Charlie Wakim will return for the Lightning after a trio of half-centuries for the Tasmania Tigers, while all-rounder Brad Hope is a welcome addition for Uni.
Wakim has hit 825 runs this season at an average of 68.75 in the CTPL, third in the competition behind teammate Tom McGann and Greater Northern Raider Cooper Anthes.
Glenorchy hosts North Hobart at KGV Oval, and while the match will have no finals ramifications, both sides will be aiming to finish the season strongly.
Demons batter Lewis Drury hit a maiden first grade ton last weekend in a victory over Kingborough, playing his way to a classy 115 not out off 287 balls.
Glenorchy, meanwhile, is fresh off a bye and remain at home for the final two rounds.
It is a bye in the Women’s competition this weekend, but 1st Grade clubs will be involved in the Bat 4 Boobs event at New Town Oval on Sunday.
This important fundraising and fun social occasion doubles as a celebration of women’s cricket, featuring Tasmanian Tigers stars.
Tickets can be purchased to the event here.